In 1963 Dr Beeching's infamous report signalled the end for over 15,000 miles of track, a third of Britain's stations, and for 70,000 jobs, as well as the way of life for many consumers. Much misery was caused and Beeching's name was muddied, but in hindsight the report probably did more than any other single factor to preserve the nation's railway heritage. Without this report fifty years ago, much of the locomotives, stock, tracks, signals and signs would have crumbled, been forgotten or rotted. The gentle railway gradients lend themselves perfectly to walkways and cycle paths. Buildings have been refurbished. Memorabilia, or 'railwayana', now command prices at auction which would astonish those who painted the metal. And of course there are the heritage lines which draw many thousands of visitors each year.